10 MUST KNOW Tips To Plan a Smart Home

Summary

In this informative video, Alex shares 10 essential tips for setting up a smart home system. The advice includes choosing between smart switches and lights, wiring smart lights to L for continuous power, incorporating sensors and buttons for convenience, tapping into neutral wires for extended networks, and prioritizing smart appliances. Alex also emphasizes the importance of selecting devices that integrate well with smart home systems and the need for family approval. The video concludes with a reminder to plan smart home purchases carefully, considering the chosen system's capabilities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Consider the necessity of a switch for smart lights; only ambient lighting should require a switch.
• 🏠 Wire smart lights directly to the live wire (L) to ensure they remain online even when switched off.
• 🔧 Utilize more sensors and buttons for convenient control instead of relying solely on mobile apps or voice assistants.
• 🔌 Tap into available neutral wires near heater switches or power sockets to extend the smart home network without extensive wiring.
• 📺 Prefer smart appliances that can integrate with your smart home system and offer control over their state and settings.
• 🤖 For non-smart appliances, use IR blasters or switchboards to integrate them into smart home systems, but be aware of the limitations in automation.
• 💧 Look for robot vacuums with water piping capabilities for automatic water refill and drainage.
• 🌞 Choose motorized curtains or blinds for reliability; wired options are preferable for ease of hiding cables and power supply.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Take into account the preferences and habits of all family members when setting up a smart home to ensure it meets everyone's needs.
• 🛒 Do not rush to purchase smart home devices; first decide on the smart home system that best suits your needs and then choose compatible devices.
• 🔄 Always be open to feedback and willing to adjust smart home setups to improve the experience for all users.

Q & A

What is the main difference between smart War switches and smart lights?

Smart War switches are for controlling the on and off state of ambient lighting, which are the main general sources of light. Smart lights, on the other hand, can be bulbs or LED light strips and may include features like color temperature adjustment and dimming, which do not require a War switch.

Why should accent lighting in a smart home be automated?

Accent lighting, such as spotlights, backlights, and corner lamps, serve a decorative purpose and should be automated to provide convenience and avoid the need for manual switching on or off.

What type of switch is recommended for smart lights that require dimming or color temperature adjustment?

For smart lights that offer dimming or color temperature adjustment, a smart dimmer switch is recommended, with Lutron being one of the few recommended options due to its compatibility and functionality.

Why is it suggested to wire smart lights directly to the L wire instead of L1 or L2?

Wiring smart lights to the L wire ensures they receive continuous power and remain online even if the switch is turned off, which is important for maintaining functionality and remote control capabilities.

How can smart lights improve the flexibility of home lighting control?

Smart lights can be grouped together in a smart home app, allowing for easy adjustment of brightness and other controls across the group, which is not possible with traditional dimmable lights.

What is the significance of using sensors and buttons in a smart home setup?

Sensors and buttons can automate and simplify device control, making a smart home more convenient and responsive to specific conditions or actions, rather than relying solely on mobile apps or voice commands.

Why is it beneficial to tap into a neutral wire for switches that are beside heater switches?

Heater switches already have a neutral wire, so it requires less effort to extend the neutral wire to nearby light switches, allowing for more switches to be smart-enabled without extensive rewiring.

What is the main advantage of choosing smart appliances over non-smart ones for a smart home?

Smart appliances can integrate with the smart home system, providing features like status awareness and automation capabilities that non-smart appliances cannot offer, even with additional smart devices like IR blasters.

What should be considered when choosing smart appliances to ensure they are truly 'smart'?

It's important to check if the device can integrate with the smart home system being used and what controls are exposed through the integration. Merely having a mobile app does not make a device smart.

Why is water piping for robot vacuums considered a crucial feature in modern smart home setups?

The ability for robot vacuums to automatically refill clean water and drain dirty water through water piping reduces manual maintenance and enhances the convenience of having a smart cleaning system.

What are the factors to consider when deciding between motorized curtains and blinds?

Factors include reliability, the ability to hide cables, the presence of a power socket, and whether the device can be powered wirelessly or through a solar panel.

Why is it important to involve family members in the decision-making process for a smart home setup?

Different family members have different living habits and requirements, so involving them ensures that the smart home setup meets everyone's needs and is more likely to be adopted by all.

What is the primary advice given for those who are new to setting up a smart home?

The advice is to decide on the smart home system first before purchasing any devices. This prevents compatibility issues and ensures that the chosen devices will work well within the selected system.

Outlines

00:00

💡 Smart Lighting and Switch Basics

Alex introduces the concept of smart lighting and the importance of understanding the difference between ambient and accent lighting. He suggests that only ambient lights, which serve as the primary source of light, should be controlled by a smart switch. Accent lights, such as spotlights and backlights, are considered decorative and should be automated, eliminating the need for manual switching. Alex also explains the necessity of smart lights for those who wish to adjust color temperature or dim the lights, recommending smart dimming switches for such purposes. He emphasizes the importance of wiring smart lights to the live wire (L) to ensure they remain online even when the power is cut off, allowing for better integration and control through smart home apps.

05:01

🔩 Enhancing Smart Home Functionality

The second paragraph delves into the practical aspects of setting up a smart home. Alex advises using sensors and buttons for more convenient control, rather than relying solely on mobile apps or voice assistants. He provides examples of how contact sensors can automate the operation of devices like air conditioners and how placing buttons in strategic locations can simplify the control of multiple devices. Alex also discusses the potential of tapping into neutral wires available near heater switches to extend the smart home network and the preference for smart appliances that can integrate seamlessly with smart home systems, offering more advanced controls and automation capabilities.

10:02

🛒 Smart Home Device Selection and Considerations

In the final paragraph, Alex offers guidance on choosing smart home devices. He stresses the importance of selecting smart appliances that can provide real benefits, such as integration with smart home systems and the ability to control various settings. Alex warns against devices that merely have a mobile app, as they may not offer true smart home integration. He also discusses the latest features in robot vacuums, such as the ability to connect to water pipes for automatic refilling and draining, and the advantages of motorized curtains or blinds. Additionally, he touches on the importance of considering family preferences and habits when setting up a smart home, as well as the need to plan and choose a smart home system before purchasing devices to ensure compatibility and functionality.

Keywords

💡Smart War Switch

A Smart War Switch is a device that controls the on and off state of smart lights or other smart devices. In the video's context, it is used to differentiate between essential and ambient lighting, where only the main source of light might require a switch. The script mentions that smart war switches are limited to controlling the power state and cannot adjust features like color temperature or dimming, which would require a smart dimmer switch.

💡Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting refers to the general illumination in a space that provides a comfortable level of light for everyday activities. In the video, the creator suggests that ambient lights are the main source of light and should be controlled by a war switch. Examples of ambient lights mentioned include the lights over a TV, backlights, and corner lamps, which are considered decorative and should ideally be automated.

💡Smart Lights

Smart Lights are lighting systems that can be controlled remotely and often offer features like color temperature adjustment and dimming. The video emphasizes the importance of smart lights in a smart home setup and discusses the need for a smart dimmer switch for such lights, as opposed to a standard smart war switch.

💡L-Wire

The L-Wire, or Live Wire, is the primary source of electrical power in a home's wiring system. The video script advises wiring smart lights directly to the L-Wire to ensure they are always powered and online, which is crucial for maintaining functionality in case of a power cut.

💡Smart Home App

A Smart Home App is a software application that allows users to control and automate various smart devices within their home. The video mentions using such an app to group lights together and adjust their settings, showcasing the flexibility and convenience offered by smart home technology.

💡Sensors

Sensors in the context of smart homes are devices that detect changes in the environment and can trigger actions in response. The script suggests incorporating more sensors for automation, such as using a contact sensor on a door to automatically control an air conditioner.

💡Smart Appliances

Smart Appliances are home devices that can connect to the internet and be controlled remotely or integrated into a smart home system. The video emphasizes the preference for smart appliances like AC units and water heaters, which can be more easily automated and controlled within a smart home setup.

💡IR Blaster

An IR Blaster is a device that emits infrared signals to control other devices that use infrared for remote control. The script mentions using an IR Blaster to make non-smart devices, like certain fans, 'smart' by integrating them into a smart home system.

💡Neutral Wire

A Neutral Wire is an electrical conductor that provides a return path for electric current in some types of wiring systems. The video discusses the possibility of tapping into neutral wires that are already present near certain switches, like heater switches, to extend the functionality of smart switches.

💡Robot Vacuum

A Robot Vacuum is an automated cleaning device that moves around a space and sucks up dirt and debris. The video highlights a feature where modern robot vacuums can connect to water pipes for automatic water refilling and dirty water draining, which is considered a top feature to look for in such devices.

💡Motorized Curtains/Blinds

Motorized Curtains or Blinds are window coverings that can be opened and closed remotely, often integrated into smart home systems. The script discusses the advantages of motorized curtains over retrofit options and the considerations for choosing wired or wireless systems, emphasizing reliability and aesthetics.

💡Family Approval

Family Approval refers to the acceptance and satisfaction of all family members with the smart home setup. The video stresses the importance of considering the needs and habits of everyone in the household when setting up a smart home, as it affects the overall user experience and success of the system.

💡Smart Home System

A Smart Home System is a centralized platform or ecosystem that allows for the control and automation of various smart devices within a home. The video advises deciding on a smart home system before purchasing devices, as compatibility and ease of use are crucial factors that can determine the effectiveness of the smart home setup.

Highlights

Smart switches versus smart lights: Smart lights should be automated and don't require a wall switch.

Ambient lighting versus accent lighting: Ambient lights need a switch; accent lights like spotlights and backlights should be automated.

Wiring smart lights to L: Ensures the device always receives power and remains online.

Grouping smart lights: Use smart home apps to group and control multiple lights together for flexibility.

Smart fans: Wire them to L for continuous power and connectivity.

Use sensors and buttons: Incorporate sensors and buttons for convenient smart home controls instead of relying on mobile apps.

Neutral wire availability: Identify switches that already have neutral wires, such as heater switches, to extend the smart network easily.

Smart appliances preference: Opt for smart appliances like ACs and water heaters for better integration and automation.

Choosing smart appliances wisely: Ensure devices can integrate with your smart home system and offer comprehensive controls.

Robot vacuums with water piping: Look for models that automatically refill clean water and drain dirty water for convenience.

Motorized curtains or blinds: Prefer motorized options for reliability and ease of use, and choose wired over wireless if possible.

Family approval factor: Consider the different habits and needs of family members when setting up a smart home.

Flexible and adaptable setup: Be open to changes and feedback to improve the smart home experience for everyone.

Decide on a smart home system first: Choose a system before buying devices to ensure compatibility and avoid complications.

Avoid rushing into purchases: Take time to understand your needs and the smart home system's pros and cons before buying devices.

Transcripts

[Music]

hey what's up Alex here first tip we go

back to the basic smart War switch

versus smart lights so this can be buls

or LED light strips doesn't matter just

smart lights in general so look at all

the lighting feature that you have or

plan to have and ask yourself whether

you need a switch for it there's

something called asent and ambient

lighting ambient lights are your main

General source of Lights those are the

only lights that will require a war

switch in my opinion others like this

Spotlight you see over here uh my TV

backlight the standing lamp at the

corner the light strip behind my desk

the light behind my plant and even the

lights under my top kitchen cabinet

these are considered essent lighting

they're there like a form of decoration

you shouldn't need to intentionally go

and switch them on or off they should be

all automated so you don't really need a

w switch for all of them another way to

tell is whether you want to be able to

change the color temperature or be able

to dim the lights if yes then I'll

recommend getting smart lights I know

many of you likes to get those uh fancy

and expensive designs that comes with

dumb lights and with diing controls for

those you can't use a normal light

switch to control them right similarly

you can't use a normal smart War switch

to control them because a smart War

switch is only controlling the on and

off State you will need something called

a smart demon switch in which there are

very limited options out there the only

one I recommend is Lutron but they are

expensive tip number two why are your

smart lights to L so you know the

problem with smart lights is if the

power is cut off the device is

considered offline and wouldn't work

anymore so instead of wiring them to L1

or L2 which are your switch buttons

right just wi them directly to L this is

where your Live Wire the source of

electricity is wired to this means that

the connected device will always receive

electricity power and will always be

online another good point of using smart

lights is you can easily group lights

together via your smart home app within

a light group you can easily adjust

brightness on or off or any other

controls you won't have such flexibility

with dumb dimable lights okay so wiring

to L can also apply to Smart fans as

well same idea you want them to be

always online tip number three use more

sensors and buttons some people like to

promote about having a smart home

whereby they can now control it with a

mobile phone that's nonsense okay

realistically that's not convenient at

all Nobody Does that at home using voice

assistant is all right but for me I

actually s use it for device controls

anymore so incorporate more sensors to

your setup for example if I want to

switch on my living room AC I will have

to go ahead and close all the windows

and all the room doors anyway right you

don't want the Co Air to escape out

since I'm not using the service yard

door for any purpose I put a contact

sensor there so I would just go ahead

and close the door whenever I want to

switch on the AC likewise the AC

automatically switches off once I open

this door I also seldom go and

physically press my w switches anymore

instead I like to place buttons at

convenient places so with a press of a

button it will automatically switch on

my TV my ceiling fan as well as the TV

backlight so if it's like very bright in

the day like now I'll press the button

and it will then close my living Shades

so very easy press and press and hold

and it will automatically open up my

shades

[Music]

again tip number four there are some

neutral wire that you can easily tap on

to your switches hdb by default does not

have neutral wire to all your light

switches and it's a lot of work for

electrician to pull neutral wire to

every single point however there are

some points that doesn't require much

effort such as those that are beside

your heater switches heater switches

already have neutral wire up so you can

either as electrician or even do it

yourself if you're confident enough

neutral wire are blue in color just

simply do a looping over to your light

switches those W power socket also have

neutral power over there so if it's near

to the light switch like this over here

the electrician can still do conceal

over to the point so if you're looking

to extend your ZB Network at the very

minimum you are able to do so at the

switches beside your heater switch tip

number five smart appliances are

preferred so what smart plers am I

referring to things like your AC water

heater fan or this if you don't have any

preference then I suggest as far as

possible get the smart models unless

there is a specific brand or model that

you die die only one that so for example

you only like KDK fans but let's say KDK

don't sell smart fans but it's okay just

go ahead and buy the KDK fan you want

technically you still can make them

smart using an IR R Bluster or a

switchboard the problem with that is

your smart home system does not know the

current state of the device so for

example my AC here is not smart when I

switch it on with my remote it doesn't

know it's on if it's a smart Appliance

like my water heater here when I

physically press the on button it will

then show it as on without knowing the

state you will have some limitations

when you want to set up the automation

rules so let's say if I'm shopping for a

new AC now I'll most likely get a smart

AC from dyin tip number six talking

about smart appliances please choose

them wisely having a mobile app for a

device does not make it smart back to

the point that I mentioned just now it

is not convenient at all to go and wrap

your phone access an app just for that

one device ask them questions like

whether the device can integrate with

the smart home system that you're using

what kind of controls are exposed as

part of the integration if they are

unable to answer these kind of questions

it really shows how much they know about

their own products not to mention

whether they even know what a smart home

is about so for me it makes no sense to

buy products from such a company okay so

taking AC as an example besides the on

and off controls if the integration does

not include settings like changing the

temperature and fence speed then at

least it should be able to configure

scenes and those scenes must be able to

sync over to your smart home platform

tip number seven water piping for Robot

vacuum if you're not aware of the latest

tag that is available for Robot vacuum

they're now able to hook up to your

water pipes to automatically refill the

clean water and drain away the dirty

water this is the number one feature

that you should look out for when

choosing a robot vacuum for me I'm not

even interested anymore if you ask me to

check out a robot vacuum that doesn't

have this feature so plan ahead and try

to allocate a spot where you can hide

away all the exposed water piping okay

so what options do you have as of today

for dreamy there are l10s l20 x30 Ultra

this is x30 master and their latest x40

for eov VX will be the X2 and T30 Pro

for robot all they are qrio Max V and S8

Max V Ultra but both models seems to be

currently on pre-order or if you want to

try out something different there is the

switchboard S10 I've have not tested

this yet so I'm not sure whether it

works okay people always like to ask

whether they can buy it directly from

China topa because it's a lot cheaper

there for me I don't want to risk buying

any home appliances that are more than

$500 s dollars without any warranty

support especially for robot vacuums

where there's so many moving Parts tip

number eight go for motorized curtain or

blinds between retrofit and Moto if you

cannot decide what to get then I can

tell you 100% motorized they are far

more reliable and consistent between

wired or Wireless aut wire is better

because you don't need to worry about

the battery power and charging it but

you need to factor in the Aesthetics

whether you are able to hide away the

ugly cables for curtain since it is

easier to hide away the cables you can

go wired but remember to have the power

socket at the inside of the curtain if

this is using Zig B you can also use it

to extend your Zig B Network for blinds

if it's hard to hide away the cables

just go with wireless If the product

allows you to connect to a solar panel

you can also consider that if not just

charge it once every three or 4 months

it's fine actually tip number nine is

the wife or family approve Factor you

need to remember that everyone in the

family is staying the same smart home as

you but everyone's living habits are

different and you not setting up the

smart home just for yourself because of

that there are different use cases and

requirements that you kind of need to

solve so for example my other half has

the habit of not switching off the fans

and lights every time so this is

something that I will need to figure out

a solution for it always try to get some

feedback after you have implemented

something new be flexible and open to

change things up configure a customized

dashboard for each of the family member

teach them the controls all these small

little things can contribute to having a

better smart home for everyone last

final tip I think this is the most

important and it's also something that I

have stressed many times in my other

videos don't rush to buy any smart home

devices decide on which smart home

system you want to use first a lot of

times people will share me a list of

devices they already bought they ask me

how to integrate them together so for

example uh I bought aara switches from

China Shi sec cameras Sonos

speakers prism smart fan mc2 blinds s

Lin smart

lights okay then you have to pretty much

go with home assistant or maybe homie

can also work then you realize home

assistant is too complicated for you you

end up with a bunch of ads one ad to

control one device there are no

automation rules configured in the end

you feel that a smart home is useless

for you because those smart home devices

are not smart at all every smart home

system has their own pros and cons

assess what is important to you decide

on that system after that you know

exactly what smart home devices to buy

already all right that's all the 10 tips

from me if you have any tips to share

please comment below so that everyone in

this community can benefit from it

thanks for watching and I will see you

in the next one bye

oh